"Delay at Crouch End Health Centre"

I run my own company and just took precious time off work to attend a midday appointment with a nurse at the Crouch End Health centre.

When I made the appointment in the morning I checked that the nurse was able to give antibiotics - the receptionist confirmed that she was.

I turned up five minutes early for the appointment and had to wait until over half an hour to be seen.

On seeing the nurse - she had a trainee with her - and I agreed to let her be present. I have no issue with that. After a few minutes of both her and the trainee listening to my chest she told me that she could give me antibiotics if I insisted.

I said that I would like to insist because I have had asthma for years and I am well aware of what cures my chest infections.

She then told me she could not give me an antibiotic but I would have to see the doctor. Not immediately - but at 420pm.

So having been told that I could be given antibiotics, been made to wait 40 minutes and not being diagnosed or prescribed anything - and having wasted over an hour out of my working day I was now being told to come back that afternoon.

I refused to do so because I had to go back to work and arranged to telephone the doctor instead.

I am extremely angry that the staff - and in particular the nurse - think it is ok to waste my time in this way. If I turn up on time for appointments and make every effort to help them in their work why should I be penalised and have to take half a day off?

I understand that public health services are understaffed and it is a difficult job but surely basic common sense, courtesy and not wasting other people's time costs nothing?